A Tree’s Life Tree-Banding Research Program
A Tree’s Life is a citizen science study of backyard tree growth in response to global climate change. Your tree can tell us a lot about forests of the future.
Participant Map
Check out our participant map below. The colored points highlight where A Tree’s Life tree bands have been installed. View a larger map.
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Participate in the Study

A tree band in action! Photo: Michael Just
- We’ll provide instructions and a plastic dendrometer band to measure the growth of your red maple
- You’ll provide yearly tree growth data and some other details about your tree, like its location
- We’ll keep you up to date with the project’s progress
- Email a-trees-life@ncsu.edu with questions
Resources for Study Participants

Tree Identification Resources

Dendrometer Installation Guide
A complete guide to your tree-banding kit, proper installation of your dendrometer, and how and when to send us data.

Data Entry Form
Enter dendrometer measurements and other information about your tree and upload project photos in this easy to use online form.
The Science Behind A Tree’s Life
- Filter air and water
- Regulate local and global climates
- Provide habitat for many species
- Sequester carbon (reduce the amount of CO2 in the air)
With this study, we aim to understand how local climate and urbanization affect tree growth and carbon sequestration.

Urban environments are stressful places for trees to live, which can degrade their health. The urban heat island effect, water stress, and greater susceptibility to pests may all play a role. As the climate warms, we may see reduced growth rates of trees and reduced carbon sequestration. On the other hand, a longer growing season may benefit trees and increase carbon capture.
- Urban areas are warmer than less-developed or natural areas due to the urban heat island effect
- Recent work has used urban trees as a way of studying the effect of warming on adult trees
- Studies have found reduced growth rates for urban trees due to warmer temperatures and higher pest densities